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A Rare Find: Discovering a Road Less Traveled

“A blissfully underdeveloped swath of Mexico’s Pacific coastline” – Travel + Leisure “The Costalegre in the state of Jalisco, is the wildest most undeveloped stretch of Mexico’s Pacific shore” – Rough Guides “Costalegre: Mexico’s next great place” – USA Today “A diamond in the rough” destined to become “the most beautiful beach on the Pacific Coast of Mexico” – Minister of Tourism, Mexico.

It was hard to imagine an area so beautiful and untouched still existed, when Chachalaka was discovered almost ten years ago. Under the radar, off grid, luxury, for jet-setters – that is how this newly discovered Pacific Coast of Mexico, southwest of Puerto Vallarta is now being described.

There was a vision for something special when the land called Chachalaka was discovered. Six acres fronting on a beach that seems to go forever, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean all seemed to good to be true. It was a dream place discovered. Almost ten years later the property has infrastructure, water, power underground, utility buildings, a guesthouse, and a contemporary main house that has been recognized for its architectural design. There are two additional building sites for houses, each with a guesthouse. One of the sites is ideal for a multiple unit structure. Green features have been incorporated into the plan. Solar, water capture, smart systems for water treatment, thermal hot water, and LED lighting are all part of Chachalaka.

Two real estate cycles later, the serious and well-financed players are lining up to make the Costalegre along the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, the new hot place to be. Odds are it is for real, and some big names are in the mix, Four Seasons, Louie Vuitton’s Cheval Blanc, One and Only resorts, along with established early pioneers – Sir James Goldsmith’s 18,000 acre Estate and ecological preserve, and Gian Franco Brignone’s 2,000 hectare Costa Careyes development. Add to this a new major airport that is near completion, and this stretch of amazing coastline will soon be the new play ground for todays savvy traveler. Of note, much of this area has been designated restricted density and an ecological preserve. The developers consider this an asset and are planning to incorporate that into their plans and marketing It is now time to share the dream and the timing seems to be perfect. Chachalaka is a place without comparison for savvy individuals who like privacy and don’t follow the crowds.

Opportunity…

Timing and Location

The topography of Chachalaka is what makes it so special. A first walk on the property revealed six sites that would afford amazing views. One of the sites at the highest elevation would be ideal for a multiple unit structure. Our approach has been to let the land speak to us, looking at different ideas with quick sketches on the topography. Ultimately that is how Casa J and the guest house were sited.

A view standing on site 5 looking north at Casa J on site 3, and the palapa on site 4. The rocks on the north boundary are special and it is where twelve miles of virgin beach begins to the south.

Trails and roads are established on the property, and there is easy access to the beach. Building is well above any danger of storm surge, and there is a great deal of privacy on the property. Chachalaka presents options for further development, as well as providing a personal retreat without comparison now. It is rare to find a place of pristine endless beach with few people in today’s world. Located approximately 50 miles southwest of Puerto Vallarta Mexico, in the state of Jalisco, Chachalaka is easily accessible with a newly surfaced road now in place. There are additional infrastructure projects in progress, preparing for the future development of the area. The Costalegre known as the Happy Coast, begins with Cabo Corrientes, the large Cape at the south of Puerto Vallarta. It is a truly spectacular stretch of ocean front running along the state of Jalisco. The next place to be. A snapshot of Casa J, Chachalaka and the area.